The Queen James Bible, published in November 2012, is a “translation” which purports to edit King James Version passages condemning homosexuality. Claiming “interpretive ambiguity,” the editors flatly state“We edited the Bible to prevent homophobic interpretations,” assuring their readers that the bible says nothing about homosexuality. Further, in what amounts to a clear demonstration their complete disregard for historical-grammatical/canonical-contextual exegesis, the QJV editors posit that “things like Leviticus are horribly outdated.” Focusing largely on the Leviticus and Romans, which plainly condemn homosexuality, the editors blithely dismiss these as referring only to acts ritually performed in the worship of pagan gods.
In another breathtaking rejection of the authority and perspicacity of Scripture, they claim that though they have edited only those passages which–in their estimation–erroneously condemn homosexuality, the editors conclude that “…the Bible is still filled with inequality and even contradiction that we have not addressed.” With a self-congratulatory flourish, the QJV editors exclaim: ”We wanted to make a book filled with the word of God that nobody could use to incorrectly condemn God’s LGBT children, and we succeeded.” (emphasis added)
Only in a culture where the idolatry of self has become the standard of authority could such bold, straight-faced manipulation of the eternal, infallible Word of God gain any credibility. However, those who thus treat inspired Scripture as a wax nose–to be shaped to fit whatever form of personal perversion they may affirm–do so to their own eternal damnation, unless they repent. The Self-Existent God of the Bible is unmoved by such antics, and His just, wrathful condemnation still rests upon all who refuse to repent and conform to His clear commands.
And herein should lie the great concern of the Church for those souls blinded by the god of this present age and their own rebellious hearts.
For too long the Church has remained silent in the face of the aggressive onslaught of the LGBT movement. How may we claim to love our neighbors if we stand idly by while they plunge headlong into sin, rebellion, and, eventually, hell? Perhaps it is because we fear the spurious label of “homophobia” which is so often used by the LGBT community when they are confronted with the truth of God’s Word. Worse still, perhaps our reticence to engage our culture on this issue is rooted in a lack of love for those blindly ensnared in a lifestyle that leads only to destruction and death. If we are guilty of either of these, we must repent immediately and beg God to enable us to speak the truth of His Word in love and compassion for our fellow-man.
Would you consider joining us at Lakeside Baptist Church as we seek, by the grace of God, to do precisely that on September 23rd–25th? This event will feature three intense nights of teaching, testimony, and discussion on how to respond lovingly and with Gospel-centeredness to one of the most pressing spiritual issues of our day. LGBT protesters of this event are rallying against the truth of God’s Word even as you read this post.
Pray for all the speakers and churches involved. Attend if you can.
A debtor to grace,
R. Cofield
A question:
WHO is really behind this ‘QJV’ ?
If you have information to share concerning this, please do. If all you have is speculative and conspiratorial innuendo, your point is taken.
Christiane believes the “Gay Bible” is a right-wing plot to embarrass the gay movement.
There is little need to pursue conspiracy theories until some evidence comes forward on them.
I really DO like the giant smiley faces, but I honestly hope I haven’t somehow broken the new system by placing a smiley face in my writing. It looks like they EXPLODED!
TESTING:
🙂
Yikes!
“For too long the Church has remained silent in the face of the aggressive onslaught of the LGBT movement.” On the whole I agree with this post but am curious about the about the above statement. While I agree there are too many churches that have been silent or capitulated on homosexuality, I think on the whole many SBC churches and the SBC as a whole have taken clear biblical stances on this issue. If anything, I think there is some credibility to the criticism that we treat homosexuality as a favorite sin to condemn while ignoring other sins prevalent… Read more »
Chris and Randall, I was thinking the same thing that Chris just articulated. We pastors should not, and by in large have not, capitulate on the sinfulness of homosexuality….but we certainly are, by in large, more silent on other forms of sexual immorality and thereby do give credence to the objection of the world that we pick and choose sins to decry. I preached recently on the sanctity of marriage and spoke during that message on this reality. We concede ground on sanctity of marriage discussions when we as pastors (among other things) perform marriages of those unbiblically divorced, performing… Read more »
Yeah, that is my question as well. Has the evangelical church in America been silent about the sin of homosexuality? I’d almost say the opposite – we’ve tended to focus on it to an unhealthy extent. Homosexual behavior is sinful, but it is not more sinful than other sins.
I do not think the church needs to be MORE vocal about homosexuality, but I do think we need to sharpen our rhetoric to make sure people know that we are against sin but not hateful toward sinners.
thank you, DAVID
“For too long the Church has remained silent in the face of the aggressive onslaught of the LGBT movement. ”
I’m trying to think of a sin that has received more attention than this one.
If there is a GKJV, Randall, why give it more exposure by writing about it?
For what its worth, I don’t use the KJV at all. That wasn’t the point of the post.
In my opinion, the failure of the church has been not speaking to the issue of no-fault divorce. We have rightly pointed out that homosexual sex is sinful. At the same time, Robert and Marquita get a divorce and not only do we not say anything (“Hey, your marriage is a covenant.”) but we also didn’t know there was a problem. Shame on all of us.
Amen!
I think there’s an important factor too often left unconsidered when we decide whether we’ve under-reacted or over-reacted to the homosexual movement: The difference between how we should respond to someone who falls into sin on the one hand and someone who denies that sin is sin on the other hand. I’ve never seen an adultery-pride parade (although if Ashley Madison gets their way, it may be coming). I’ve heard a lot of people mention the other sins that they think should have our attention rather than homosexuality, but it’s rare indeed that I see a sin listed for which… Read more »
Thanks, Bart. That is precisely what we are aiming for. Some of the Churches in our local association are reacting to the LGBT agenda much like a deer caught in the headlights.
About half of them are beginning to embrace homosexuals without calling them to repentance (a few even have them in leadership), while the other half reacts belligerently when they encounter LGBTs.
Agreed, some sins do deserve more response, particularly if they are a central aspect of cultural debate. It makes sense that we give attention to homosexuality – but in the process let’s not forget about other sins. And either way, we have been far from reticent to engage culture on the issue of homosexuality.
Excellent point, Bart!
I guess I could argue that the reason there are no “organized movements” for divorce, shacking-up, premarital sex, etc. is because there isnt any need for it. It’s been settled in practice and has become “water under the bridge” so to speak.
Wow.
I apparently minister in a very different segment of the SBC than you brothers.
But thanks for the prayers anyway.
smh
Editors of various versions of the Bible over the centuries have been faced with the following Scripture as they approached their task. Some have remained faithful to that challenge – others have not, preferring to affix their identity to the edits rather than God’s “pure” word. “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” (Deut. 12:32) “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found… Read more »
I had never heard of this “Queen James Bible” until your post. I have to agree with several who have commented that at least among conservative evangelicals, we have been anything but silent on homosexual matters. I did a minimum of internet research on this version, and I have to say that I am not at all sure it is part of the “gay agenda” to normalize their lifestyle, even though it may contribute to it. After reading various reviews and even their own website, it looks to me as though it is part of someone’s attempt to make money… Read more »
thank you, JOHN FARISS